UK training scheme launched to fill offshore skills gap

UK: The skills shortage affecting the UK offshore wind sector is being tackled by a £1.2 million training initiative set up by the UK renewable energy industry and the British government.

by Paul Garrett 7 November 2011

The scheme is dubbed the Renewable Training Network (RTN). Trade body Renewable UK said it could pave the way for 77,500 new jobs in the wind and marine energy sector and its supply chain over the next ten years.

Renewable UK's £600,000 of funding has been matched by £600,000 of government money. Renewable UK said the offshore wind and marine energy sector could support 88,000 jobs in the UK by 2021,up from 10,600 today, if the right policies and financial conditions are in place and sufficient skilled recruits can be found.

The initiative will be a collaboration with the National Skills Academy forPower. Two thousand new training places will be delivered by the RTN over the next two years.